The role of sulfur in stainless steel

Stainless steel is an alloy steel whose main components are iron, chromium, nickel and a small amount of carbon, silicon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur and other elements. In previous issues, we introduced the role of elements copper and nitrogen in stainless steel. In this issue, we will introduce the role of sulfur in stainless steel.

What is the role of sulfur in stainless steel? First, sulfur can improve cutting performance. Sulfur can form iron sulfide with iron. Iron sulfide has a very good effect on improving the machinability of stainless steel, reducing cutting forces and extending the life of the tool. Second, sulfur combines with oxides in stainless steel to form more stable and dense sulfides, which helps improve the oxidation resistance of stainless steel.